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2 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights and Gov & Administrative Law for Texas on
Q: How to update address with Houston court for 1983 case settlement?

I filed a 1983 civil rights complaint in prison and since my release, I haven't received any mail regarding the case. A settlement is being paid out, and I need to notify the court of my change of address to receive the payments. I have a week left to notify the court. How can I update my... View More

John Cucci Jr.
John Cucci Jr.
answered on Mar 27, 2025

If you have the case information or case #, you can call the clerk of the court to get the address to mail a change of address. There is also a system called PACER, which is the update and filing system used by the Federal courts.

Try both ways I have explained, and you should be able to...
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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Gov & Administrative Law for New York on
Q: In NY, does non-cooperation with ACD conditions result in arrest if the order is 'by consent'? Why is it enforceable?

In a child protective proceeding in New York, there is an ACD (Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal) that requires the respondent mother to comply with several conditions, including cooperating with supervision visits, ensuring her child receives mental health treatment, and maintaining... View More

Peter Christopher Lomtevas
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answered on Mar 27, 2025

Well, just as a breach of any contract carries legal consequences, the failure of a consenting parent to abide by an agreement to go through post judgment activities also carries legal consequences. "Consent" does not mean immunity from complying with cooperating with supervision visits,... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Gov & Administrative Law for California on
Q: Is my son's nearly 6-year-old pending case in California beyond the statute of limitations due to court delays?

My son was arrested nearly six years ago in California, and his case has not yet gone to court. The bail bondsman mentioned a five-year limit for taking a case to a jury. During these years, there have been multiple public defenders and deputy district attorneys involved, with frequent hearings... View More

Dan Moseley
Dan Moseley
answered on Mar 26, 2025

The only "statute of limitations" in criminal law applies to the filing of charges by the DA, not to the timing of a "speedy trial" after charges are filed in court. The California Criminal Code provides deadlines for certain courtroom proceedings, such as preliminary hearings... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights and Gov & Administrative Law for Maryland on
Q: Concern about legal trouble when emailing former friend after years without contact in Maryland.

I live in Maryland and want to send an email to a former friend whom I haven't contacted in years after she blocked me. I want to apologize, wish her well, and discuss something personal to get it off my chest. I'm concerned about potential legal repercussions like being charged with... View More

Mark Oakley
Mark Oakley
answered on Mar 26, 2025

Civil or criminal harassment is defined as a pattern of repeated contacts or communications that seriously annoys another person. A single communication does not qualify. I assume this person did not previously file for a restraining order or pursue criminal charges against you; however, if my... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Gov & Administrative Law for Georgia on
Q: Charged with possession after traffic stop, probation revoked; what are my rights?

I was a passenger in a vehicle that was pulled over for reckless driving. During a search, drugs were found under the driver's seat, but I had no knowledge of them. Both the driver and I were charged with possession and trafficking after the driver refused to claim ownership. I was detained... View More

Glenn T. Stern
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answered on Mar 24, 2025

I want to be straight with you--this isn't something you should be asking questions on the web about and then trying to navigate yourself. This is serious, serious business! Trafficking sentences carry mandatory jail time, and it cannot be suspended-that means the judge HAS to send you to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Gov & Administrative Law and Real Estate Law for Florida on
Q: Are political flags considered political signs under our association's deed restrictions?

I live in a community with a 617 Association that bans political signs except during elections. A resident is displaying a Trump flag, arguing that the prohibition on "signs" does not apply to flags as there are no definitions provided in the association's documents. The association... View More

Barbara Billiot Stage
Barbara Billiot Stage
answered on Mar 24, 2025

That's a question for the association's attorney. I have always taken the position that if it has words on it the classification would be it's a sign, similar to a banner. Also, the only flags that are protected under Chapter 720, if you are a mandatory homeowners'... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights, Gov & Administrative Law, Health Care Law and Juvenile Law for Colorado on
Q: How can I defend myself in a biased Colorado dependency case?

I am representing myself in a dependency case in Colorado where I've experienced clear bias from the judge, who has enforced detrimental punishments without evidence. The department involved has committed fraud, HIPAA violations, judicial deception, and harassment, seemingly in retaliation for... View More

Kia Miller
Kia Miller
answered on Mar 25, 2025

I agree with my colleague below. I am adding that if you do not get legal representation, you should file a motion for judicial recusal that focuses solely on the facts (not feelings and judgment) and listing EVERY fact that shows there is bias.

For example:

"We never received...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Education Law and Gov & Administrative Law for Kentucky on
Q: Can public school employee coach with arrest record in Kentucky?

I was arrested twice, once for drug trafficking and once for drug possession and unlawful transaction with a minor. The charges were dismissed in both cases, and I have no ongoing legal proceedings aside from a bench warrant for failing to appear in a traffic case. Six weeks after being hired, my... View More

Timothy Denison
Timothy Denison
answered on Mar 24, 2025

That decision is solely up to the School Board since Kentucky is an at will employment state. Since the charges were dismissed, it really shouldn't affect your employment. However, you may want to consider having the record expunged altogether so that this problem doesn't arise in the future.

2 Answers | Asked in Constitutional Law, Gov & Administrative Law and Federal Crimes for Tennessee on
Q: Can I carry a gun in TN after rights restored?

I am a felon whose citizenship rights have been restored pursuant to T.C.A. § 40-29-101 and T.C.A. § 40-29-107, including the right to vote, serve on a jury, and eligibility to possess a firearm under T.C.A. § 39-17-1307(b)(1), effective as of March 7, 2025. My charges included 2 counts of... View More

Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Mar 23, 2025

It is possible that your firearm disability in TN is removed. But since the conviction is not expunged, anytime you are accosted by LEOs, with a firearm, you will be at least detained if not arrested. There are also age requirements involved, and possibly some other incident in your life may... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in International Law, Real Estate Law, Gov & Administrative Law and Probate for Maryland on
Q: Distribution of Bangladeshi property and bank accounts for US citizen father's estate with minor US citizen children involved.

My father was a Bangladeshi citizen by birth but later became a US citizen through naturalization. He passed away in the USA and left behind real estate, land properties, and bank accounts in Bangladesh. He has minor children who are US citizens. There is no will, and legal proceedings have been... View More

Mark Oakley
Mark Oakley
answered on Mar 22, 2025

His overseas assets will be distributed according to the law of the country where those assets are located. Therefore, you will need to locate a lawyer in that country and open an estate there to pass ownership to his children, assuming that is who inherits under the laws of Bangladesh.

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1 Answer | Asked in Gov & Administrative Law for New York on
Q: How to change my last name as an adult in New York?

I'm an adult looking to change my last name. What is the process I need to follow?

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Mar 20, 2025

The family law and administrative law attorneys here know this area best. However, you await a response for two weeks. Here is some basic information from the NYS Unified Court System website... "Name Change Basics"

https://nycourts.gov/courthelp/NameChange/basics.shtml...
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1 Answer | Asked in Appeals / Appellate Law, Foreclosure and Gov & Administrative Law for New York on
Q: Foreclosure case: Settle for $100k or wait for appellate court decision?

I have clients whose house has been in foreclosure since 2008. The foreclosure was dismissed twice in supreme court based on the statute of limitations under the FAPA law, and the bank appealed the decision. We're awaiting the appellate court decision, which could take up to 2 years. The loan... View More

Charles Holster
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answered on Mar 20, 2025

I would not make any recommendation to a client without first knowing all of the facts, which usually requires a review of the court documents in the case, as well as speaking to the clients.

But, in order decide whether to accept a settlement offer, rather than waiting for a decision on a...
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2 Answers | Asked in Business Formation, Business Law and Gov & Administrative Law for California on
Q: How to obtain a business license for direct cremation in Riverside County, CA?

I have already registered my business and I'm looking to obtain a business license for a direct cremation entity in Riverside County, CA. I need guidance on which agencies or departments to approach for the license, information on complying with local health and safety regulations, and help... View More

Pavel Kolmogorov
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answered on Mar 19, 2025

To obtain a business license for a direct cremation entity in Riverside County, California, you must apply to the Cemetery and Funeral Bureau, which oversees crematory licenses. Follow the link to submit your application online: https://cfb.ca.gov/licensee/app.shtml

Given crematories...
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2 Answers | Asked in Gov & Administrative Law, Civil Litigation and Personal Injury for Indiana on
Q: Should I ask for more compensation in my Tort Claim against the city for sewer damage?

I live in a town where the city neglected the sewer main by my house, causing sewage to flood into my finished basement. A plumber confirmed that the issue was solely the city's responsibility, and the city was fixing the problem in a neighbor's yard when the plumber verified with them... View More

Charles Candiano
Charles Candiano
answered on Mar 19, 2025

I disagree with your strategy. A far better course of action is to file a claim with your insurance company. If the insurance company wants to pursue a claim against the City of Hobart, that is their prerogative. BE CAREFUL!!! you cannot sue a municipal entity unless you file a tort claims... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Gov & Administrative Law, Civil Litigation and Personal Injury for Indiana on
Q: Should I ask for more compensation in my Tort Claim against the city for sewer damage?

I live in a town where the city neglected the sewer main by my house, causing sewage to flood into my finished basement. A plumber confirmed that the issue was solely the city's responsibility, and the city was fixing the problem in a neighbor's yard when the plumber verified with them... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Mar 20, 2025

My colleague raises excellent points. You may want to discuss this with local attorneys to help you make the best decision. As between pursuing through your insurance or a municipality, while both present their share of challenges, city-based claims are often more difficult. Also be mindful of the... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Probate, Real Estate Law and Gov & Administrative Law for Colorado on
Q: How can I challenge false claims to my father’s estate and regain control over family lands in Colorado?

I am the sole legal representative and administrator of my deceased father's estate, which includes lands held by my family for generations. A woman falsely claimed to be married to my father to gain inheritance rights, supported by what I believe are invalid legal documents. Furthermore,... View More

Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Mar 18, 2025

If you are the administrator with letters then you are not doing your job. Do you have an attorney? Apparently your lawyer is going to need to file various actions in various Counties for ejectment, quiet title, unlawful detainer and/or conversion of mineral proceeds. Many SOLs apply and are... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights, Domestic Violence, Gov & Administrative Law and Landlord - Tenant for New York on
Q: Seeking legal advice to sue Utica Police and apartment complex for mishandling emergency vacate order after violent incident with ex-boyfriend.

I am looking to sue the Utica Police Department and the apartment complex where I live due to their handling of an emergency vacate order related to my ex-boyfriend, who was abusive. The emergency vacate order, obtained through family court, clearly states he must vacate immediately. However, the... View More

Stephen Bilkis
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answered on Mar 16, 2025

I’m very sorry to hear about this terrifying and dangerous situation. You have every right to seek legal accountability for what happened, especially given the serious failures by both law enforcement and your apartment complex. There are potential legal claims that could be pursued against both... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Real Estate Law and Gov & Administrative Law for Ohio on
Q: Can I sue my town for damage caused by new water meter installation?

I live in a town that recently installed new water meters without resident input. After the installation, my underground water line cracked, resulting in a continuous leak of 2-3 gallons of water every hour, and the estimated repair cost is $4,000. A plumber suggested the crack was due to excessive... View More

Bruce Martin Broyles
Bruce Martin Broyles
answered on Mar 13, 2025

The issue is one of sovereign immunity. Ohio Revised Code 2744.02 says that political subdivisions are liable for negligence of their employees in caring out governmental proprietary functions. The political subdivision is immune from liability in caring out its governmental functions. I would... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Civil Litigation and Gov & Administrative Law for New York on
Q: Timeline for response to amended complaint after serving additional defendants from the same entity.

I was granted leave to amend my complaint to add additional defendants, who are all part of the same entity but under different names. I served these additional defendants recently and will be e-filing the amended complaint. I haven't received specific instructions or deadlines from the court,... View More

Jonathan R. Ratchik
Jonathan R. Ratchik
answered on Mar 13, 2025

Under CPLR § 3012(a), service of an answer is to be made within twenty (20) days of service of the pleading to which it responds, in your case the Amended Complaint. https://law.justia.com/codes/new-york/cvp/article-30/3012/

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2 Answers | Asked in Civil Litigation and Gov & Administrative Law for New York on
Q: Timeline for response to amended complaint after serving additional defendants from the same entity.

I was granted leave to amend my complaint to add additional defendants, who are all part of the same entity but under different names. I served these additional defendants recently and will be e-filing the amended complaint. I haven't received specific instructions or deadlines from the court,... View More

Jonathan R. Ratchik
Jonathan R. Ratchik
answered on Mar 13, 2025

I should add that if the new defendants are not personally served with the Amended Complaint, they will have thirty (30) days in which to file an Answer. Would depend on whether counsel for the existing defendants is willing to accept service on behalf of the new defendants.

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